Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) has taken a significant step closer to a $2 billion takeover of rival Irish lessor Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC).
Following a shareholder vote on February 19, 2025, NAC announced that over 85% had backed the transaction for the Dubai-based lessor to acquire 100% of the company.
While the multi-billion-dollar deal still requires regulatory approval, it is expected that the acquisition will be finalized within the coming months.
NAC sought financial guidance from global giants Goldman Sachs International and Deutsche Bank while Clifford Chance and KPMG Deal Advisory acted as legal and accounting advisors, respectively.
“We are pleased that shareholder approval has been received to sell the firm to DAE, a top global aircraft lessor. Our significant reshaping of the fleet plus substantial reduction of debt markedly enhanced our acquisition prospects. We appreciate the ongoing support from our business partners and team members during this transition,” said Norman C.T. Liu, NAC President and CEO.
As of December 2024, NAC’s fleet comprised of 233 owned and committed aircraft on lease to approximately 60 customers in 40 countries.
Upon completion of the deal, DAE’s fleet will balloon to around 750 owned, managed and committed aircraft (worth $22 billion), with 170 airline customers in 70 countries.
DAE is owned by the Investment Corporation of Dubai, the investment arm of the Government of Dubai. Its current fleet includes around 500 Airbus, ATR and Boeing aircraft, with a total value of $18 billion.
In January 2025, Firoz Tarapore, CEO of DAE, said: “We are delighted at this opportunity to add NAC’s capabilities, complementary market presence, and people to our platform. This transaction will allow us to provide more cost-effective solutions to a larger group of customers.”
